News and Perspectives from Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Bakersfield: PG&E Partners with City, Various Groups at Water Conservation Event

By Katie Allen

BAKERSFIELD – Energy and water usage go hand in hand. That’s why it was a natural fit for PG&E to partner with various local groups for the Greater Bakersfield Water Conservation Day.

Denise Newton, senior manager of PG&E's Kern Division Leadership Team, talks with a local resident at the water conservation event. (Photo by Katie Allen.)

The free event was held on Saturday (July 12) at Urner’s Appliance Center on Wible Road in Bakersfield. PG&E partnered with the Water Association of Kern County, City of Bakersfield Water Resources, California Water Service Company, Oildale Mutual Water Co., Kern Turn Supply, Kern Green, Gardener’s Supply and Ewing Irrigation. The collaborative effort was aimed at showcasing the importance of water conservation during this near-record drought.

Residents toured booths staffed by each organization to get useful information on conserving water at home including water efficient landscape and irrigation techniques, residential water conservation and energy efficiency.

“There are so many little things one person can do to save water,” said Beth Pandol, director of the Water Association of Kern County. “It was a fun, interactive way to learn how to conserve.”

Kern County is in the midst of a blistering drought and Kern County residents are being urged to find ways to conserve. The City of Bakersfield Water Resources helped residents find easy ways to save.

“Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, install aerators on bathroom faucets, take five-minute showers instead of 10-minutes showers and wash only full loads of clothing,” said Art Chianello, director of the City of Bakersfield Water Resources. “The event was a fantastic opportunity to highlight these tips which when combined can offer significant savings when it comes to water consumption.”

More than 50 residents including the Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and City Councilmember Russell Johnson attended the event.

In addition to water conservation tips, PG&E also offered information on how customers can manage their energy usage and lower their bills and information on how to read your SmartMeter.